The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-03-13

Sunday School Lesson for March 60 1881
STUDIES IN THE OLD TESTAMENT, FIRST QUARrRR,
JACOBS SEW NAME-Gen xxi. 9-l2; 30
GOLDEN TExT--Gen. xxx &c.
Home Readings
II. The Journey Home $780, Gen xxxis LIB
Tu. Face to Face with God Gen. xxsii: 2i-32.
w. Moses Before God --..-.-.. Exod. xxxi; 1928.
Th. The Nature Of Prayer - Luke: Ia
+. The Lord with Gideon Judges vi: ia.
s. Manoah and the Angel. Judges xiii: S-23.
). God with us.--------..-----lsa- X; Ii
Continuing his journey from Bethel, jacob
came to Mesopotamia and entered the service Of
his uncle at Haran. Here he remained twenty
Tor, according to some, forty) years, married
Leah and Rachel, and became the father OF
eleven sons. Having accumulated considerable
property, there arises contention in the family.
At the suggestion of God, Jacob returns to his
old home in Canaan, and is on his way when the
scene which constitutes the lesson occurred.
SUGGESTIONS
l. God is ready help in time of trouble. He
invites that confidence. Cali upon me in th0
day Of trouble; | will deliver thee, and thou
shalt glorify me-" He honors that confidence.
Il cried unto God with my voice, even ulto God
with my voice; and he gave ear unto me"
. True prayer Is grateful TO see Gods boun-
ties far above our deserts is only form of graf
tude We are all less than his mercies. But
We not all willing to acknowledge IL.
Many have the temper of the frivolous French
maid who, being threatened by her priest with
condemnation if she refused confession replied,
God will think twice before condemning per-
sen of my quality" Without proper sense OF
our relations to God prevailing prayer is impos-
sible.
g. True prayer is trustfu Gods promise
had been given. His favor bad been assured.
Jacob recalled that promise not so much to re-
mind God as to strengthen and encourage his own
heart Unto US are given promises no less def
mite and assuring Let us rejoice in them.
4. True prayer is dutiful Jacob was at
Jabbok in response to Gods command. He was
not defiant. He had not plans against Esau-
He came not to assert the old claim Of BIRTH
right. but to do AS God should show him. He
now looked to God for deverance from what
seemed to him impending danger. He had
| right to expect deliverance. and right to sup
plicate it. It would have been quite another
thing had he wantoply exposed himself to peril
and then camored for deliverance. God Is
under no obligations to answer such entreaties
5. True prayer is individual There L.
| doubtless, place for family prayer-more OF q
substitute for personal communion In the close
contact of the soul with God there Is an up
| proach to God which can be had in no other way.
| Solitude is the audience chamber of tho Al
mighty No man who enters there ever comes
out triler He comes forth with something OF
| the majesty of God upon and within him. Jacob
at Pencil, Daniel by Hiddekel, John in the desert,
| and Jesus in the wilderness-all won their
| crowns in solitude.
| 6. True prayer is triumphant Every Jacob
| may become an Israel; every wrestler q con-
| queror. The promise to such is unlimited, If
| ye abide in me and my words abide in you ye
shall ask what We will and it shall be done unto
| you"